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This post shares an unforgettable 5-day west coast road trip itinerary, from Seattle to San Francisco, following the Pacific Coast Highway.
Get ready for one of the most unforgettable road trips from Seattle to San Francisco!
You’re about to experience the beauty of the Northwest Coast!
Get ready to enjoy breathtaking views, stunning beaches, and charming seaside towns. There are so many stops that you will be exploring along the way.
Whether you’re going solo or with your favourite people, this journey will be incredible.
So grab your stuff, hop in the car, and hit the open road for some epic memories!
- Day 1: Start of Your West Coast Road Trip – Exploring Seattle’s Markets and Museums
- Day 2: Multnomah Falls, Cannon Beach, Oregon Dunes, and Northern California
- Day 3: Exploring California’s Famous Redwood Forests to Fort Bragg
- Day 4: Last Leg of Your West Coast Road Trip – Beaches, Wine Country, and San Francisco!
- Day 5: Exploring All of San Francisco
Tips to Help Prepare for Your Coastal Road Trip
Day 1: Start of Your West Coast Road Trip – Exploring Seattle’s Markets and Museums
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Start your day by exploring Pike Place Market, one of the main attractions in Downtown Seattle. The market is filled with antiques, gift shops, local artisans, food stalls, and more!
Don’t forget to grab a Starbucks coffee or a snack at Piroshky Piroshky while you wander around.
For lunch, stop at Pike Place Chowder. The clam chowder in a sourdough bowl is chef kiss good! Try Seattle Dumpling Co. or Half Shell if that’s not your thing.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
Take the Seattle Monorail, near Pike Place Market, to the Seattle Center to visit the famous Space Needle. It’s a fun, quick way to travel between these locations.
Get a picture of the Space Needle, and go to the top if you want! Alternatively, why not visit the Museum of Pop Culture? Then, take the Monorail back to start your adventure!
Another option is to take the Monorail back after seeing the Space Needle and visit the Seattle Art Museum before leaving.
Late Afternoon/Evening (3:30 PM- 7:30 PM)
You are starting the first leg of your road trip from Seattle to San Francisco!
Leave Seattle before 3:30 PM and head toward the Columbia River Gorge Area, and stop for dinner or a snack along the way.
Check into a hotel in Troutdale, Oregon, close to Multnomah Falls. Your first stop on Day 2!
Directions:
- Start on I-5 S to Portland, Oregon
- Take exit 7 onto I-205 S
- Take Exit 21A
- Turn left onto NE Gilian St.
- Turn left onto NE 122nd Ave
- Turn right/Merge onto I-84 E
- Take Exit 16 into Troutdale
Total Drive Time: 3.5 Hours
Day 2: Multnomah Falls, Cannon Beach, Oregon Dunes, and Northern California
Get ready for a fantastic Day 2 of your journey!
You’ll be heading from the Columbia River Gorge Area in Oregon to the beautiful coast and Crescent City, California.
This is a big chunk of your 5-day west coast road trip from Seattle to San Francisco, so get ready for a day of excitement and exploration!
I’ve got two options lined up for you: a chill, relaxing day or an adrenaline-packed adventure! Both start the same, so get ready for a fun-filled day.
Morning (8:00 AM – 10:30 PM)
Rise and shine! It’s an early start to your day. Start with a 1.5-hour hike to see Multnomah Falls and its iconic bridge.
Or, if you’re feeling a bit on the lazier side, drive up and see the views from Vista House at Crown Point. These are just some of the highlights of the Columbia River Gorge.
Option 1: Cannon Beach and the Oregon Coast
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Cruise west to Cannon Beach! Once you arrive, stroll through the charming town full of fun boutique shops and art galleries.
Enjoy a coffee or treat at a local café like Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters or Insomnia Coffee Co.
Most importantly! Explore the beach, dip your toes into the Pacific Ocean, and admire Haystack Rock.
This is quintessentially the Pacific Northwest, and I could easily spend an entire day soaking it all in!
Late Afternoon/Evening (2:00 PM – 9:30 PM)
Next, it’s time to drive the scenic coastal route down to Crescent City. Along the way, you’ll pass through several lovely coastal towns, including Lincoln City and Coos Bay.
Be sure to make a pit stop in Florence, Oregon, to enjoy dinner.
This small town along the Pacific Coast Highway has plenty of restaurants along the 101 and Bay Street, so there’s something tasty for everyone!
You’ll be arriving late for your accommodations, so give them a quick call to let them know! Take some time to unwind and relax before heading to bed.
Option 2: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Afternoon (10:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Drive south to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for more adventurous activities like sandboarding, dune buggy rides, and hiking.
I strongly suggest booking a tour with a guide! It’s such a great way to discover all the hidden gems in the area!
If you still want some ocean time, don’t miss the day-use area on the south shore of Cleawox Lake. It’s tucked in the campground and is perfect for soaking up those stunning dune views!
Want to know more? Check out Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area!
Evening (4:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
On your way to Crescent City, stop at one of the many coastal towns to grab a bite.
Bandon, Oregon, is a fantastic choice with plenty of restaurants to explore, and it’s about halfway to Crescent City.
Once you’ve arrived in Crescent City, check into your hotel and unwind from your adrenaline-packed day!
Welcome to Northern California!
Directions:
Option 1 – Troutdale to Crescent City via Cannon Beach
- I-84 W towards Portland
- Merge onto I-5 S
- Exit onto I-405 N towards US-26/Beaverton
- Take Exit 1D
- Merge onto US-26W
- Merge onto HWY-101 S
Total Drive Time: 9 Hours
Option 2 -Troutdale to Crescent City via Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
- I-84 W towards Portland
- Merge onto I-5 S
- Take exit 195 onto OR-569
- Turn right onto OR-126 W (Florence-Eugene Hwy)
- Turn left onto Hwy US-101 S
Total Drive Time: 7.5 Hours
Day 3: Exploring California’s Famous Redwood Forests to Fort Bragg
On day 3, explore the famous Californian Redwood forests, hiking and driving among the tallest trees in the world.
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Start your day by enjoying breakfast in Crescent City. If you have extra time, wander the small town or visit the historic Battery Point Lighthouse.
Then, take a short, scenic drive to Redwood National and State Parks to enter nature’s giant playground!
Afternoon (12:00 – 4:00 PM)
Explore Redwood National and State Parks by hiking the stunning 1.5-hour Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail during your coastal road trip!
After enjoying the scenery, hop in your vehicle to cruise along the Avenue of the Giants via Exit 674! This fun two-lane road hugs US-101, taking you through more of California’s famous Redwoods.
Don’t forget to check out Founders Grove or the Immortal Tree, which has stood strong for around 1000 years!
Take a break at Shrine Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat. It’s a great attraction to see, and it breaks up the drive.
Stretch your legs and treat yourself to ice cream before heading to Fort Bragg!
You can continue enjoying driving along the Avenue of Giants or hop onto US-101. Which is what I personally recommend!
Evening (6:30 PM – Bedtime)
Once you arrive in Fort Bragg, enjoy a cozy dinner and unwind. Depending on the time of year, don’t miss out on a stroll at Glass Beach in the evening.
It’s a great place to admire the colourful sea glass along the shore.
Directions:
Option 1 – Drive all of the Avenue of Giants
- Merge onto US-101S/L St.
- Take Exit 674/ Avenue of Giants (CA-254 S)
- Merge onto US-101 S when seeing a sign for ↑ Ukiah & ← Eureka
- Turn right onto CA-1S to Fort Bragg
Total Drive Time: 6 Hours
Option 2 – Drive part of the Avenue of Giants (Recommended!)
- Merge onto US-101S/L St.
- Take Exit 674/ Avenue of Giants
- Merge back onto US-101
- Turn right onto CA-1S to Fort Bragg
Total Drive Time: 5.5 Hours
Option 3 – Skip the Avenue of Giants
- Merge onto US-101S/L St.
- Take exit 656 to Myers Flat and turn left for Shrine Drive-Thru Tree
- Merge back onto US-101
- Turn right onto CA-1S to Fort Bragg
Total Drive Time: 5 Hours
Day 4: Last Leg of Your West Coast Road Trip – Beaches, Wine Country, and San Francisco!
Today is the last leg of your amazing West Coast road trip before you arrive in San Francisco in the evening!
Today, the morning will start the same, and then you have two options, and I’m excited about both!
Morning (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
Grab a coffee and breakfast to go and head over to Glass Beach if you didn’t make it the night before.
Alternatively, explore some local shops and galleries in Downtown Fort Bragg and enjoy the town’s charm.
If you’re considering pushing back your departure a little bit, why not visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens? The flowers and ocean views are stunning!
Option 1: Fort Bragg to San Francisco via Napa Valley for some wine tasting
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Once you arrive in Napa Valley, visit a winery or two! Explore the wineries for some fantastic tastings and tours.
Don’t miss the Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves. The tour is fascinating!
And if you’re up for more, the Hall of Wines or V. Sattui Winery are close.
Want something extra special? Your first stop should be to visit Castello di Amorosa. You feel like you’ve been transported to Tuscany when visiting.
Just a quick reminder: since you’ll be driving later, make sure you have a designated driver or set some fun ground rules!
Evening (6:30 PM – Bedtime)
Drive into San Francisco over the famous Golden Gate Bridge for your grand entrance into the city.
Get settled into your accommodations; I recommend the Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf neighbourhoods.
Then why not take a short walk to enjoy the city by night? Yay, you made it!
Option 2: Fort Bragg to San Francisco via Beach Bumming in Bodega Bay
Afternoon (1:30 PM to 7:30)
Start with a quick stop at Bodega Head! You will love the coastal bluff with incredible panoramic ocean views. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, too!
After that, have a beach day at Doran Beach! Enjoy a picnic on the beach and soak up the sun. Today is all about kicking back and recharging.
Are you a movie fan? Then you need to stop to see the Potter Schoolhouse. It’s where Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Birds. Cool, right?
As you head south toward San Francisco, make a pit stop at Point Reyes National Seashore.
You can’t miss the stunning Point Reyes Lighthouse! Just watch out for those 300+ steps, they’ll definitely get your heart racing!
Evening (7:30 to Bedtime)
Next is one of the best moments of the entire trip! You’ll arrive in San Francisco via the iconic Golden Gate Bridge!
You did it! Check into your accommodations, I recommend the Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf neighbourhoods.
Take a moment to celebrate and gear up for a fantastic day of exploration.
Directions
Option 1: Fort Bragg to San Francisco via Napa Valley
- Take CA-1 S
- Turn left onto CA-20 E/Fort Bragg – Willits Rd.
- Turn right onto CA-20 E/Fort Bragg Rd/S Main St.
- Take the on ramp onto CA-20E/US-101 S
- Take exit 507 to Alexander Valley Road.
- Turn left onto Lytton Springs Rd.
- Turn left onto Lytton Station Rd.
- Turn left onto Alexander Valley Rd../CA-128
- Continue on CA-128 (Changing to) CA-29S
- Turn right onto CA-12/CA-121S/Sanoma Hwy
- Slight left onto CA-121 S towards San Francisco
- Take the 3rd exit (turn left), still on CA-121 S
- Merge onto CA-37W
- Merge onto US-101 S (With Tolls)
- Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco!
Total Drive Time: 4.5 Hours
Option 2: Fort Bragg to San Francisco via Bodega Bay
- Take CA-1S to Bodega Bay
- Continue along CA-1S to Point Reyes
- From Point Reyes backtrack to CA-1N
- Turn right onto Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd.
- Turn right onto Nicasio Valley Rd.
- Turn left onto Luca Valley Road
- Turn right and merge onto US-101 (San Francisco/Eureka)
- Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco!
Total Drive Time: 6 Hours
Day 5: Exploring All of San Francisco
Grab your comfy walking shoes today because you’re about to take an amazing grand tour of San Francisco!
First up, start your day in Chinatown!
Grab a delicious breakfast at a cute local café or treat yourself to some dim sum for that authentic Chinese morning experience.
You’ll enjoy wandering through the vibrant streets and exploring gift shops. Don’t forget to visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory!
Next, walk towards Union Square District, just a short distance from Chinatown.
This lively plaza is full of energy, making it a great place to enjoy the city’s atmosphere or have a shopping spree at the department stores.
Now, here comes a classic San Francisco experience! Hop on a cable car at Powell Street and ride it to Russian Hill. Be sure to get off near the famous Lombard Street!
It’s known as the “crookedest street in the world,” and trust me, it’s such a fun and quirky photo op!
After all that walking, it’s lunchtime! Grab a bite at a local deli or café nearby and refuel.
Afternoon (12:30 PM to 5:00 PM)
Head to Golden Gate Park. Explore this massive urban park, home to the Japanese Tea Garden, the de Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences.
Before heading to Pier 39, take a quick stop at Alamo Square to see the iconic Painted Ladies.
These beautiful Victorian houses are just a short walk from the park and offer a perfect spot to sit and admire the view.
Evening (5:30 PM to Bedtime )
As the evening rolls in, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, watch the sea lions, and enjoy excellent views of Alcatraz Island.
Pick a restaurant among the many along the pier for dinner; you can’t go wrong!
To wrap up the day, don’t miss out on Coit Tower for sunset! Take in the wonderful panoramic views of the city and the beautiful murals inside. Remember to enjoy all of it!
Are you excited for your coastal adventure now?
This 5-day west coast road trip from Seattle to San Francisco is the perfect mix of nature, thrilling activities, and vibrant city life!
Whether you’re into hiking, cruising along scenic coastal routes, or checking out cute little towns, there’s something for everyone.
Trust me, this journey will be filled with breathtaking views and amazing spots you won’t want to miss!
So, buckle up, pick your playlist and make unforgettable memories along the gorgeous Northwest Coast. Let the adventure begin!
